Chapter VII: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I gather the facts of work in this city from statements by Mrs. J. S. Collins and Mrs. W. M. Gormly.

After meeting in Alliance Hall several times, for consultation and prayer, a mass-meeting was held in the Third Presbyterian Church, February 26th, 1874.

On the 2d of March an organization was effected, and Mrs. J. S. Collins elected President, and other officers chosen.

The next meeting was held in the United Presbyterian Church. The large edifice was densely packed. The principal address was made by John B. Gough. In closing, he wished the women of Pittsburgh God speed in their efforts to overthrow the liquor traffic.

Soon after, one hundred women, headed by the officers, marched, two and two, to the office of the Mayor of Pittsburgh, to ask him to enforce the Sunday closing law. After a brief interview, and prayer, the mayor promised, in the most solemn manner, to see to it that all saloons should be closed on the Sabbath.

They then waited on the Mayor of Allegheny, to make the same request, which was acceded to. For two or three Sabbaths there was a marked improvement, no places being visibly open for the sale of liquors. But very soon it was apparent that the mayor did not care to enforce the law, even when cases were reported to him.

During all this time much discussion had taken place as to methods of work, and, on the 8th of April, 1874, the street work began. Mrs. Gormly says:

All along the route the crowd increased, until we reached the Scotch Hill House, corner Fourth avenue and Ross street, kept by John McFadden. Permission was asked to hold services inside, which was gruffly refused. The Crusade was opened on the pavement by singing ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name,’ the band kneeling. Mrs. Youngson offered a fervent appeal to the throne of grace. Amid all these exercises a howling mob, with oaths and blasphemous curses, were calling for beer and whiskey. The proprietor and a boy were taxed to their utmost capacity to supply the demand. It now became necessary to send for aid. The acting mayor sent a detail of police. The scene here beggared description. Beer wagons drove up and were soon filled by the rabble, as were all the trees and tree-boxes adjacent, and high carnival was held in the devil’s cause.

The next place visited was the wholesale house of Dillinger & Stevenson, on First avenue. Here the ladies were admitted, and knelt and prayed between rows of l liquor barrels. The proprietors were urged to sign the pledge, which they refused. We then withdrew.

On Wood street, on passing a liquor house, the crowd had attained large proportions. We were treated with taunts and jeers until we arrived at our rooms. After lunch and devotional exercises, the line of march was again resumed. The first place visited was the Monongahela House. Mr. Crossan courteously received us, and tendered us the use of one of his parlors, in which we held our exercises--a large and orderly gathering being present, many signing the pledge. The acting mayor gave a detail of police, which accompanied us.

We next visited the La Belle House, directly opposite the Monongahela House. Here the crowd was immense. Mr. Bailey, the proprietor, had sent an invitation to us to visit his house, and had made ample preparation, so far as his room permitted. Mr. Bailey and the police did everything in their power, under the circumstances, to keep order. Although demonstrative, the crowd was not insulting. “We’ll wait till Jesus calls” was sung, the proprietor joining heartily with us.

Our next visit was at the Alden House, on Wood street, where we were cordially welcomed by the proprietor. The crowd was most respectful, evidently being of a better class. They all joined us in singing “We praise Thee, O God.” While we knelt in prayer, being led by Mrs. Youngson, a canary bird, hanging in a cage near a window, commenced to sing, and at every pathetic appeal, he sent forth his beautiful notes, making the event particularly impressive.

April the 9th we visited the Lion Hotel, where we were admitted, and courtesy extended, the proprietor closing up the bar, suffering no liquor to be sold during our stay. As we were leaving this place Chief-of-Police Irwin presented an appearance, and announced that we were no longer to continue in our Crusade, as it was the orders from the police committee. We returned to our rooms for consultation.

It soon became known that no order had been issued by the mayor. We obtained legal advice from the United States District Attorney, David Reed. He informed us we could not be arrested unless a proclamation was issued by the mayor. The sick-chamber of the mayor was invaded by prominent wholesale liquor men, and the coveted proclamation was obtained, forbidding us, under penalty of arrest, to hold services on the streets in the future. Wishing to test which was in power in the city of Pittsburgh--God or the devil--we continued our Crusade in the afternoon, visiting the wholesale houses of Anderson & Gamble, Mr. Hamberger, and Littell & Mechling. The members of the last-named firm became greatly enraged at our appearance, Mr. Mechling skipping over rows of barrels, calling lustily for the police to save them, in their legalized traffic, from the women, while Mr. Littell, in an outrageous manner, stood heaping vile epithets on us, and as one of our number was engaged in prayer on his behalf, his hands were over her face as if ready to tear her to pieces. His excited and angry talk had attracted a very large crowd, and his insulting words had aroused the indignation of the bystanders, and a riot was imminent.

The Crusade was continued for several weeks, without any interference from the authorities, the ladies enduring every indignity; dogs were set on us, but, to the credit of the noble animals, they refused to attack us; barrels of liquor were rolled toward us; beer wagons were driven against us; and we were drenched by the hose of hydrants, turned upon us.

May 21st, while holding services at a wholesale liquor house, Lieutenant Hager, with two officers, appeared on the scene, requesting an onward move. The request was not heeded. A loud command rang out: “Policemen, keep the pavement clear.” At this time some high words took place between Lieutenant Hager and Mr. Andrew Brice, who said, “Before I would do such dirty work, I would tramp my uniform in the gutter.” The lieutenant replied: “If you don’t keep quiet I will arrest you and every person on the pavement.” Approaching us he said: “I shall have to obey my orders and arrest you all.” The president replied: “We will not go until we see the proper warrant.”

After asking the ladies if they refused to consider themselves under arrest, Hager helped himself to a pledge, and on the back of it proceeded to write the names as far as he could succeed in getting them. Armed with this list he proceeded to the mayor’s office, and warrants were filled out for our arrest, which were immediately executed. The procession then proceeded to the mayor’s office. In the meantime the acting mayor and clerk were actively engaged in filling up information against the band for disorderly conduct, the members thereof freely giving their names.

During the interim, religious exercises were held, and tracts and pledges were distributed to the spectators, reporters, acting mayor and his clerk. Upon the arrival of the complainants and our counsel--for whom we had a tedious wait--the case was opened, the burthen of the liquor men’s complaint being interruption of business. The evidence being of a sickly nature, we were discharged with a reprimand.

The mayor said that he was a friend of the ladies as long as they obeyed the law, but if they did wrong, he would be compelled to enforce the law to the letter. Accordingly, he dismissed the case, bidding us “go and sin no more.” The magistrate had scarcely concluded, when we commenced singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” and continued to sing until the spectators were cleared from outside the bar. Thus ended the first arrest.

On the following day the Crusade was resumed. While holding services at Hostetter & Smith’s Stomach Bitter house, one of the mayor’s police, Lieutenant Gordon, stepped up and asked for the names of the members of the band. They declined to accommodate him, but by some means he obtained the name of Mr. Watt Black, who always accompanied his mother, and proceeded at once to the mayor’s office to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Black and the Crusading Band.

While holding services at the La Belle House, on Smithfield street, Detective Wilmot presented a warrant. After the arrest, the band, headed by the detective and other officers, marched up Smithfield street, singing as they proceeded, and, to our surprise, as well as the hundreds of spectators who were following us, we were led to the lock-up in Diamond alley. As soon as those under arrest filed in, the doors were closed and a strong guard placed to keep them from being forced open. To make it as uncomfortable as possible, the windows were tightly closed, and remained so until one of the band, being overcome, fainted, when they were compelled to open them.

As the deputy mayor was somewhat tardy in presenting himself, religious services were conducted for some time. On being notified, our counsel, W. K. Jennings, Esq., promptly appeared. Immediately after, the acting mayor took his seat and commenced the hearing. The information only contained the names of three of our number, viz.: Watt Black, Esq., his mother and Mrs. Vanhorn. The officer, in testifying, stated that those three obstructed the sidewalk, by singing and praying. On cross-examination he stated there were whiskey-barrels obstructing the sidewalk, which he neither ordered to move on, nor arrested. After arguments by counsel, the mayor’s decision was a fine of one hundred dollars on Mr. Black; Mrs. Black and Mrs. Vanhorn, twenty-five dollars each--which was greeted with hisses. Mrs. Black arose and indignantly protested against paying one cent of the fines, saying they would go to the work-house or jail. The mayor here stated that the ladies must be treated as other prisoners, and if they wished to take an appeal, the fines must be paid. At this juncture, W. D. Moore, Esq., believed to be in the employ of the liquor league, stepped forward and gave his check for the amount of the fines, which was strongly protested against by the defendants. The mayor having received the money, we were discharged, and withdrew from the lock-up singing, “Am I a Soldier of the Cross.”

Saturday, May 23d, we met in our room at 2 P. M., engaged in devotional exercises, invoking the aid of the Master. We then took up the line of march, visiting the establishment of Dillinger & Stevenson, on First avenue. We were interrupted by the police--they leaving to procure warrants for our arrest. We proceeded to the store of Weiler & Brother, on the same avenue, near Smithfield street. On commencing our exercises a scene most disgraceful ensued. As soon as the voice of prayer was heard, a German copper shop immediately opposite brought their stills and kettles to the front, and all hands commenced pounding and making a deafening noise. The friends of alcohol everywhere seemed to be about us, yelling at the top of their voices; and to complete the effort of the hour, ten policemen, who were detailed to arrest us, made their appearance, and informed us we were under arrest. The warrant being presented, we surrendered and accompanied the officers to the lock-up, an immense crowd accompanying us. As we entered, the iron gate was thrown open that the culprits might pass into their cells. Paul and Silas like, we prayed, and sang praises to God. No doubt, like the keepers of old, they trembled, but did not spring in to ask what they must do to be saved. This created a great stir among the people. Had they known that we were locked behind the bars with the vagrants, the building would have been torn to pieces in a very short time.

The case being opened, the usual questioning and cross-questioning was gone through with, and was concluded by the mayor imposing a fine of thirty dollars upon each; but subsequently finding he was not likely to get rid of us, he reduced it to ten dollars. A gentleman stepped forward and filled a check for three hundred and thirty dollars, and we were immediately discharged.

Acting Mayor McMasters said: “T am very happy to announce to the ladies and the public here assembled, that I received this morning a writ of _certiorari_ directing that the record in the case disposed of Thursday last should be transmitted to the Court of Common Pleas. The questions of law involved will thus be explicitly laid down by a tribunal whose purity and integrity has never been called in question. The citizens, and the ladies in particular, and I will, I am confident, abide the decision of that tribunal. In view of an early hearing, I have decided to defer further action in the cases now under consideration, until the court shall have rendered a decision in the case pending before it. I have instructed the clerk to hand back the money deposited for the appearance of the ladies.”

No sooner had we emerged from the lock-up than a tremendous burst of applause arose from the vast multitude. The mayor, police, and our accusers were greeted with groans and hisses. As we moved away to the Alliance rooms, the crowd increased at every step, the men who were standing along the curbstones respectfully raising their hats. Before we reached our head-quarters they were densely packed by an excited crowd, expecting to hear addresses of approbation. The halls and stairways were crowded, as were the streets also, so as to make egress or ingress almost impossible. As soon as order could be had, Hon. B. C. Christy was called upon, who arose and made a few congratulatory remarks, complimenting us on the patience and fortitude with which we had undergone our trials. He believed that we were actuated by motives true and pure as heaven.

We then adjourned to Duquesne Way, on the Allegheny river, in front of Rhodes’ brewery, making use of one of his wagons from which to denounce their infamous traffic. Several enthusiastic addresses were made. It being late on Saturday evening, we then adjourned.

On Sabbath, several sermons were preached, denouncing the evil, and encouraging us in the work.

Thursday, May 27th, we met at our rooms, which were densely crowded. After devotional exercises, we formed in line and proceeded to the court-house; and because of the publicity the papers had given the case, the streets were filled with an immense throng. When we arrived at the court-house, the yard and building were so packed that the officers had great difficulty in opening up a passage for us to enter. Promptly at ten A. M., Judges Sterritt, Stowe, and Collier entered and took their seats on the bench. After proclamation by the crier, the case was opened. The attorneys stated their pleas to the judges, who, upon consultation, delivered their opinions as follows: Judge Stowe stated, “Singing and praying upon the public streets is not disorderly conduct.” Further, the learned judge informed Mr. Coyle, the acting mayor’s counsel, that his argument partook of shallowness of pretext more than anything else. Concurred in by the other judges. Judge Stowe gave the following decision: “The decision of the acting mayor should be set aside; restitution awarded; fines and costs returned; the city pay the costs;” and we were discharged from custody much to the chagrin of the acting mayor, who was present, his countenance indicating great discomfiture. As we emerged from the court-house, it was plain to be seen on which side the sympathy was. Cheer after cheer greeted us. We took up our line of march for the Smithfield Street M. E. Church. On our entering, the large auditorium was immediately packed. Order being restored, we engaged in singing, prayer, and thanksgiving to Almighty God for deliverance.

The following are the names of the thirty-three arrested and imprisoned: Mrs. J. S. Collins, Mr. A. Watt Black, Miss McClung, Mrs. Van Horn, Mrs. Sarah Moffett, Mrs. S. C. Matchett, Mrs. W. W. Morris, Mrs. Alice Gillchrist, Mrs. Macken, Miss E. B. Carmichael, Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. M. Gray, Mrs. ----, Mrs. J. I. Logan, Mrs. Grace Hopeful, Mrs. M. E. Tutell, Mrs. A. W. Black, Mrs. A. Hill, Miss A. A. Starr, Miss Pearl Starr, Miss Lee A. Starr, Mrs. Youngson, Mrs. M. B. Reese, of Alliance, O., Mrs. John Foster, Mrs. Mary Caldwell, Mrs. Samuel Allinder, Mrs. W. M. Gormly, Miss E. Beeson, Mrs. D. N. Courtney, Mrs. Jane Nelson, Mrs. Martha Woods, Miss E. J. Foster, Miss Bessie Black.

The Crusade continued. “Many devices were resorted to by the liquor-dealers to drive us away. For instance, the scattering of cayenne pepper, burning brimstone in the vault under the pavement. This ruse they soon abandoned, as we caused it to recoil on them by covering the grating, thereby turning the fumes into their houses.”

I have recently learned that Blackmore was Mayor of Pittsburgh during the Crusade, and Samuel McMasters acting mayor, Blackmore being an invalid. McMasters did as he pleased, and it is generally believed that the liquor-sellers paid him (McMasters) to prosecute the ladies, and bring them into disgrace, if possible, and thus stop the Crusade.

The true character of McMasters, the acting mayor, who caused their arrest, and by whom they were tried and convicted, has recently been brought to light, _he being convicted and sentenced to seven years in the penitentiary, for the double crime of adultery and abortion_, which resulted in the death of mother and child. The victim, a young girl, accompanied McMasters to the Centennial, and he effected her ruin; and to conceal the black crime, he committed another, even blacker.

So this official ruffian stands out before the public in his true light. Others who were active in opposing the Crusade have fallen into disgrace, or have been forced to fly to escape justice.

The howling mob that struck terror to the hearts of the people of Pittsburgh during the riot of July, 1877, and made its streets red with human blood, was composed largely of _the very same class_ of drunkards, tramps, and hoodlums that gathered at the call of the saloon-keepers to insult and howl down respectable Christian women, who dared publicly to protest against the liquor traffic by song and prayer.

If the whole moral influence of the city had been brought to bear at that time on the liquor traffic, and the saloons had been closed and the business overthrown, the riot of 1877 would not have been possible.

But the people sustained the rum power rather than the Crusade. And adown the very same streets, where the bands of women had marched, in the spirit of love, and with the songs of Zion on their lips, to win men from sin by prayers and tears, an angry, howling mob, with oaths and torches, with knives and pistols, surged and yelled, and rioted, with hellish hate and murderous intent. The city had “sown to the wind,” and she “reaped the whirlwind.”

We all know now, as we never could have known without the bitter, costly lesson of the riot of 1877, how much the women of this land risked in the Crusade, and how wondrously _God shielded every one of them_, as, going forth in His name, they walked through these very same mobs, _unharmed_.

ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA.

The Allegheny City Temperance Society, known as “Mrs. Swift’s Band,” was organized as a branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 25th, 1874. The preparation for the great work differed in nowise from that of similar organizations in other places. Daily prayer-meetings were held, and faint hearts grew courageous, and weak hands strong to undertake what so appalled sensitive natures. On the morning of April 4th, 1874, after an unusually solemn prayer-meeting, the band started from Rev. Dr. Swift’s church, to make the first visit to saloons. The succeeding three months this method of working was faithfully adhered to, and one hundred and sixteen saloons were visited; forty of this number received two visits each, and a few even three. In addition to the saloons, some of the mills and work-shops, as well as a large number of families, were visited. In the case of families, the ladies went in committees of two or three. Many persons signed the pledge, and while some have not had strength to keep it, we rejoice that others, whose first serious impressions were received from the saloon and curbstone exercises of the “praying women,” are now leading sober and useful lives. The churches opened their doors for our prayer-meetings, and two each day were sustained. A general meeting in the morning, and in the afternoon for ladies only. We were greatly encouraged by the interest manifested by the clergymen of the city. Their prayers, their words of counsel and of sympathy, nerved the shrinking women to go on with a work so fraught with disheartening and revolting details. Carrying the meetings from church to church was attended with many disadvantages, and several of our earnest supporters conceived the idea of providing us with a “local habitation and a name.” A very elegant building had been erected in a fashionable quarter for the purpose of establishing a “drinking palace.” Before its completion, the owner became involved, and it was offered for sale. It was purchased by the Reformed Presbyterians for a Theological Seminary. They did not require the whole building, and rented for our use a large, handsome room. This very building, which was designed to destroy men, body and soul, was occupied by those whose every effort was to “establish, strengthen, and save them.” Our friends furnished the room with great comfort and taste, and on Monday evening, July 6th, 1874, Crusade Hall was formally dedicated to the service of God and the temperance cause.

Many friends now suggested to us the propriety of becoming an independent organization, as Allegheny City and Pittsburgh are distinct municipalities. Considering the matter from every point of view, we decided that our best interests would be subserved by severing our connection with the Central Union of Pittsburgh, which was done, July 25th, 1874. As the summer advanced, our numbers rapidly diminished, leaving us too weak to pursue the work as heretofore. Our prayer-meetings were reduced to one afternoon and one evening meeting weekly.

But the disastrous flood by which our city was visited, in July, 1874, loudly called for help from willing hands. Immediately, our temperance band offered its services to the relief committee, and the quiet room, where the gentle voices of women had ascended in prayer and praise, grew vocal with the hum of sewing machines, and Crusade Hall became one of the most important relief head-quarters. Immense quantities of material were converted into substantial clothing, and distributed with the utmost system and despatch. Numbers of families were visited, receiving not only material aid, but the priceless boon of a sympathy which thought it no toil to brave the horrors of the desolated district and see the victims of the disaster in the ruins of their once peaceful homes. The grand object we had in view was not lost sight of in these trying days. We had access to many homes where intemperance was no stranger, and where hearts were softened by great suffering seed was sown which we can hope has borne fruit.

After the necessity of this work had passed but little was done, beyond the sustaining of the two prayer-meetings.

As our members returned in the autumn, we again began to consider what we should do. It was thought that no further good could be accomplished by crusading in bands, yet we did not wish the enemy to congratulate itself that we were discouraged or wearied. So it was decided to visit the saloons in committees of twos and threes. The ladies were courteously received, and their arguments listened to with civility, but apparently little impression was made.

Again we seemed to pause, and a second time our work was sent to us. For some time our Friday evening meetings had been disturbed by a number of boys of the lowest class. Whence they came no one could tell. Whether curiosity, or a deliberate design to disturb the Crusaders, brought them, we could not conjecture. The disagreeable fact of their presence was all we knew about them. No one felt like assuming the responsibility of dismissing them, and a few earnest hearts resolved to make a special effort in their behalf. One evening each week during the winter and spring was devoted to their instruction. No encouraging results were apparent, but the pleasing reflection is ours, that a great desire to do them good actuated the ladies, who endured their rudeness with unwavering faith and courage. The endeavor to improve the boys suggested similar work for the girls of the same class. A most flourishing industrial school was established, and sustained throughout two winters. Cottage prayer-meetings formed an important feature of our work. It was the desire to hold the meetings, if possible, in homes which had felt the horrors of intemperance. This was not always practicable, but localities were chosen where the degraded of both sexes congregated, and where religious instruction was not given. Very soon an interest was manifested in the simple services, and many have anxiously inquired the “way of life.”

We still have unabated interest in the work, and would gladly be more actively engaged. Our Tuesday afternoon meeting has never been interrupted, but we now feel ourselves “a feeble folk,” and can do little else than pray. The most perfect harmony has characterized our band, and the only change of officers we have made has been occasioned by the removal from the city of one lady, and the enforced absence, by serious illness, of another.

WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.

I am indebted to Mrs. Mussina for the following facts: “Before our Crusade commenced, there were thirty liquor-saloons within a stone’s throw of the court-house.

“One of our first meetings was held in a large hotel. The house was full, and the street was full--there was a multitude all around us. We bowed before the Lord and offered up a petition in behalf of the proprietor.

“The people said: ‘We thought those women were going to find fault with us, but they have come to do us good.’ From that time we felt an earnest desire to visit all the liquor-dealers.

“The father of the landlord of one of the largest hotels sent us word to go and hold meetings in that house, and his son would be saved. Our street meetings were owned and blessed of God in the salvation of many. We have often been thanked by strangers, for holding these meetings.

“We had a number of mass-meetings; and the liquor-dealers had _one_. Many of the temperance people thought we ought to have attended it in a body; but we only sent a delegation and the rest of us remained in the church, and prayed to a covenant-keeping God to confound our enemies.”

Mrs. Dr. Kemble, who was appointed to visit Harrisburg to help save the Local Option law, furnishes the following incident of her escape the night before she started:

“Wishing to arise early, I told the young lady (who was staying with me) that we would leave the blinds up, that we might see the daylight at an early hour. About midnight we heard a crash which awoke us both, and upon looking up, we discovered that the window had been broken in; and upon further search we found that a brickbat had been thrown through the window, and lay between us on the bed; but by the blessing of God neither of us were hurt. This did not deter us in the least. We prayed and worked with more determination than ever.”

The most signal manifestation of God’s hand in the work, is the swift judgment that has overtaken almost every one who opposed them, as will be shown from the following facts sent me by E. L. Nice, who writes:

“The first meeting was called February, 1874. The ladies organized twenty-five strong, and commenced the saloon visiting and picket work soon after. A coffee-house also was opened, in a concert saloon room, situated in the midst of the liquor-selling business. This room had been previously occupied as a saloon; but the keeper had skipped away without paying his rent, and thus we got it; but kept it only a short time, because the man of whom we rented (then the mayor of the city) grew afraid of the liquor men, when he saw our coffee-house hurt their ‘lunch-rooms,’ and would let us have it no longer. This man has since gone into disgrace as a _dishonest_ bankrupt, even losing his friends among the liquor men, who suffered from his failure.

“The man who was the most insulting to us has since shot himself while in jail, during a fit of delirium tremens, and died a miserable death. Two others have found a home in the insane asylum.

“Many have been sold out by the sheriff, and reduced to poverty. One who did all he could slyly, to discourage and injure us, now goes about a cripple, almost helpless with paralysis, and his family is reduced to abject poverty.

“Our District Attorney, G. C. Hinman, who boldly advocated the repeal of the Local Option law, and denounced the work of the Crusade, left here last year in disgrace; ran away just in time to escape the penitentiary.

“The man who was counsel for the liquor men has been twice at death’s door, and in fearful agony in the belief that he was lost. The first time, he turned to the Lord, and commenced a new life, but was brought back to his habit of sin, by his physician insisting upon strengthening him by alcoholic stimulants. So Satan still holds him, and he is still the drunkard-maker’s friend.

“On the other hand, those who aided us in the work have been generally prospered.”

We are furnished the following facts and incidents by Mrs. Olmstead:

March 2d, 1874, about two hundred of us went to the Herdic House; we held our meeting in the long hall, and were followed by a large crowd who pressed in at the door to hear.

The next day we visited the Hepburn House. An _immense_ crowd was around. We feared a riot, but God was there, and it became to them a solemn place.

The proprietor, who had threatened many things if we came, wept like a child.

We next went to the Crawford House, and then to the Henry House.

We afterwards divided into four bands, and visited Fricker’s, Gerlach’s, United States, and the American.

On March 7th, 1874, five saloons were visited, and the proprietors were much affected.

About a week after, seven of us were at Fricker’s saloon, from half-past two until half-past six. This place seemed to me like the very door of hell.

The sights and sounds there have laid the burden of this war upon me more heavily than ever.

One poor, half-drunken man was very insulting to us--a plan of others to drive us away.

We were relieved by others, who stayed until late in the evening.

One saloon-keeper we visited was as furious as an angry caged lion. We had a pleasant talk with him and his wife, and left feeling that God’s will had been done.

One of the saloons, where a most powerful meeting was held, was kept by a Frenchman, an unbeliever. He was very polite to us, and he soon gave up his business and went away, saying he should never sell liquor again.

Some of the ladies visited George Koch’s saloon, March 7th.

There Mrs. C. prayed that her husband, who was old and a drunkard, might not be allowed to take another drink at that place. It was a powerful meeting, though small, and that prayer was one to be remembered; that husband _never drank_ AGAIN, _anywhere_, and soon became a Christian.

We had some remarkable instances of bad men being reclaimed and converted at that time, who are now in the church, and working in the temperance cause.

One blessed feature of our Crusade was, that we never stopped to ask or think to what denomination we belonged.

The court-house pavement became a Bethel to us, where Christ seems a little nearer than in His temple made with hands.

At the commencement of our Crusade, one good Presbyterian pastor, who was with us heart and hand, expressed his sorrow that the women of his church were wholly unprepared for such public work, and said the Baptist and Methodist sisters would have it all to do. In about three weeks from that time he might have heard ladies of his own flock praying on the street, and exhorting the crowds on the pavement in front of the court-house. So wondrously had God poured out His Spirit upon them, and prepared them for His work.

BLOSSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

The society reports the following:

When the thrilling news came to us, that Christian women were carrying the gospel into the haunts of intemperance, and thus meeting the enemy face to face, our hearts were stirred in sympathy with the effort.

Those unacquainted with mining regions may not know that in such communities intemperance gains a strong foothold, because of the influences brought to bear in early childhood as well as in mature life upon those who comprise the majority of its population. To contend with life-long prejudices requires courage. Having within the limits of our village some thirty places where liquor could be obtained, it seemed a grave question whether we should begin the warfare. The conviction deepened in some hearts that “now” was the time to work; and in the month of June, 1874, the first meeting was called by Rev. C. G. Lowell, and a ladies’ prayer-meeting appointed.

At the first of these meetings a Ladies’ Temperance Union was organized. General meeting was held alternately in the several churches. We did not visit the saloons, but all our dealers were invited to sign the pledge. In every instance we were refused, they giving us frankly their reasons, viz.: that their money was in the business, and they preferred to run the risks of prosecutions for breaking the law, rather than leave off selling. After counting the cost of their displeasure, and the weight of public opinion, we decided to complain to the authorities in the name of the Commonwealth, of all who were guilty of violating the Local Option law. This step brought us much unpleasant work, such as we would gladly have avoided, those engaged in the traffic giving us the full benefit of all the influence afforded them in points of law, to retard our progress. Those who frequented these places for drink were in danger of being used as witnesses, therefore we gained their displeasure. We continued to complain for nearly two years at each term of court, sometimes successfully, and sometimes failing to secure truthful witnesses. Some complaints were made after the repeal of the Local Option law. At the second application of our dealers for license, we remonstrated, being opposed in this by Christian men, who were certain we should be defeated. The number of applicants were ten, three of which were refused. At this point we did not see fit to make further resistance. Many of the dealers, during the time spent by us in opposing the traffic, abandoned its pursuit, leaving at present less than one-third as many places for drink as we had three years ago.

WARREN, PENNSYLVANIA.

I am indebted to Mrs. Annie C. Wetmore, Treasurer of the State Union, for the following facts:

“The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union at this place was organized in December, 1874, this being several months before the State organization was effected. The membership was large. The temperance women were impressed with the feeling that the time had come for action, but as none were ready to visit the saloons, as the women of Ohio and other States were doing, they hardly knew what to do, but concluded to do all in their power to build up a better public sentiment.

“They applied to the editors of the two weekly papers, and obtained a part of a column in each paper, and appointed editors to fill this space with original notes, or selections on temperance. They held their Union meetings weekly, and mass-meetings as often as possible. Temperance papers were subscribed for and placed in the reading-room. Remonstrances were circulated against the repeal of local option, and February, 1874, the first prosecution under the Local Option law was made by the women. The liquor men were aroused, but the women carried the suit and convicted one man, and the community received its first temperance lesson; and as success always commands respect, those who had ridiculed the idea of woman’s work in this way, began to respect them, and tremble before the power that was in their hands.

“It was decided in April to appoint committees to go to the different towns in the county and organize unions, and as a result five towns were visited, and unions formed, and in May a county convention was called, and a county organization formed, which has continued to this day.

“In May, 1875, after the repeal of the Local Option law, the women circulated resolutions against the giving of license to such persons as had violated the Local Option law.

“The Union purchased and circulated a great number of temperance tracts in the county; and an effort was made, by the appointment of a committee for each Sunday-school, to introduce temperance work among the children, which was attended with some degree of success.

“In March, 1876, a juvenile temperance society was organized, which was called the Centennial Temperance Society. Each member was provided with a badge of red, white, and blue ribbon; each ribbon representing a pledge. The meetings have been kept up regularly.

“There being no town pump where a thirsty man, free of expense, could relieve his thirst, the W. C. T. U. had a well dug, and a pump set up at the corner of the principal street, so that thirst can now be slaked ‘without money and without price.’

“On New Year’s days, 1876 and 1877, the Union opened a Holly Tree Inn, where they received visitors, inviting all to come and partake freely. In the evening speeches were made and many signed the pledge.

“During the years 1876 and 1877 a number of prosecutions were made by the Union with various degrees of success.

“The liquor party have been made to feel that law is not to be trampled under foot with impunity, and that the license law should be enforced as other laws.

“September, 1876, a committee of two were appointed to visit the county superintendent of public schools during the annual teachers’ institute, and obtain a few minutes during one of the sessions to talk on temperance. The time was cheerfully granted, and the teachers were generally enlisted. We asked them to make the subject a specialty at least once a month, and supplied them with tracts and catechisms on alcohol. Most of them have been faithful to their duty in this respect.”

An incident _not reported_ by Mrs. Wetmore, which occurred during the prosecutions of dealers in court, will show the animus of the liquor-dealers in Warren.

One of the ladies very active in the work wore a velvet cloak. A lady from a neighboring town being there on a visit, went to the court-house to attend the trial. She, too, had on a very costly velvet cloak; the velvet had cost $25 a yard. Both these ladies, while in the court-room, or when they were leaving, had _vitriol_ thrown on their cloaks which utterly ruined them. The purpose, of course, was to ruin the cloak of the active temperance woman, but when the agent of the liquor-dealers’ revenge saw two cloaks so near alike he made sure work by destroying both.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

The first meeting in this city was called through the public press on February 27th, 1874. The place of meeting was the Fiftieth Baptist Church, a small frame mission chapel in the northern part of the city. The little chapel was well filled with grave, earnest women, and every heart was stirred during the first prayer. “What wilt thou have me do?” was pressed upon every conscience. The object of the meeting was explained, and stirring appeals were made.

One lady said on a corner near this chapel was a drinking-saloon of the worst character, and asked if anything could be done. Another lady, who lived next door to the saloon, said she would throw open her house at once for a prayer-meeting, that this place might be closed. The leader then proposed that those who felt willing should follow her to the lady’s house, and hold a prayer-meeting. About half of the women followed her, while the others remained in the church to pray. As the band marched down the street they were followed by a great crowd. As the house would not hold half the people that gathered, the leader stood on the doorstep, and addressed the multitude. There was not the least disturbance, but all listened with breathless attention to her earnest and touching appeals.

When they started from the chapel, the cry was raised by the crowd outside: “The Crusaders are coming!” The rum-seller on the corner hastened to close his windows and bar his door.

March 1st, 1874 (Sunday), mass-meetings were held afternoon and evening in Wood’s Museum, which was crowded to its utmost capacity, and hundreds went away unable to gain admittance. The proprietor had received several notices that there would be a mob, and that the museum would be burned down if he attempted to hold such a meeting. But he was a staunch temperance man, and determined that the meeting should come off at any hazard. There was no mob and no disturbance.

March 2d, a business meeting was held, and a Woman’s Union Temperance Praying Band organized, and the usual officers elected.

Meetings were held in various churches, the pledge circulated, and hundreds came forward to sign their names to the pledge.

On Monday, March 9th, the liquor-dealers becoming alarmed, held a secret meeting to consider what they could do to check the temperance work. What they decided on was never known.

On the 9th of April a general meeting was called, and held in one of the rooms in the Horticultural Hall. There was a large attendance. The officers reported that 112 meetings had been held; 24,870 names enrolled on the pledge-books, of whom 1,613 had been drunkards, 61 barkeepers, and a number saloon-keepers. Also, that 38 church members, who owned property which was rented for saloons, had been visited, and pledged not to rent their houses for such a purpose in the future.

During the month of April ninety-four meetings were held. Several being held on the same night, it was necessary for the president and other members of the band to drive from church to church, and speak several times each evening. At these meetings many requests for prayer were sent in: some of them were from drunkards’ wives and brought tears to many eyes.

A temporary home was established for reformed men who were homeless and without work. It was soon filled, and a larger building was secured, which was afterward turned over to the ladies in Frankford, it being in that part of the city, and another started at the corner of Seventeenth and Francis streets; also an Old Woman’s Home in West Philadelphia was opened by one of the managers.

During the summer, meetings were held in a tent. At one of these meetings a report came that a man was dying on a vacant lot adjoining. He was taken charge of, nourishment given him, and he soon revived. He said he was a castaway, his friends had disowned him, and drunkenness had brought him to destitution, and almost to death. He was induced to sign the pledge, was converted, and afterwards became a worker in the cause, and, in course of time, he was restored to his friends, clothed and in his right mind.

Mrs. Eleanor Crew, the Secretary of the band, who was earnest and capable, and most abundant in good works, giving her life freely for the salvation of others, fell at her post, September 4th, 1875, it is believed from mental strain and overwork, but the beautiful example of a life devoted to Christianity and temperance is still an inspiration to many.

In the meantime, another organization had been formed, and efficient work was done for God and humanity by other earnest workers. This society held mass-meetings, and did other important work. But the President of the National Union induced the two bodies to unite, and a meeting was held for that purpose, January 26th, 1875, in Dr. McCook’s church. The meeting was enthusiastic, and the reorganization effected. Many of the members feeling unprepared for the work, a meeting was appointed for prayer and consecration. At the very first meeting a poor man presented himself and desired to sign the pledge. They were quite unprepared for this, had no pledges ready, but they soon learned that the most effectual way to consecrate one’s self is to go to work. The man and his family were in a wretched condition, and temporary relief was necessary. He was soon afterwards converted, and became a church member. His former employer, hearing of his reformation, sent for him and gave him employment, and a year afterwards he was known to be faithful and doing well.

Cottage prayer-meetings were held, which resulted in great good. The ladies would secure the use of a house for meetings, and throw the doors and windows open, and commence singing. A large crowd was soon attracted, who would stand for an hour to listen to the gospel as it was proclaimed from the doorstep by one or more of the ladies. On such occasions an invitation was always extended to all who wished, to come inside to a prayer-meeting, which was accepted by many. The doors and windows were then closed, and the crowd, with tracts in their hands, which had been freely distributed, slowly dispersed, but usually the room was filled with those who remained for prayer, and many were saved.

Public meetings were held, some saloons visited, much temperance literature distributed, and a home opened for inebriate women, especially for those who felt themselves to be slaves of the drink habit, but because of their social position and the stigma attending, would not enter public reformatory institutions. Many have found shelter there, and some have given evidence that these labors have not been in vain. This has since been detached from the work, and is under separate management.

Two of the members fitted up in good style a comfortable lodging-house, where men, reformed through the efforts of the society, and others, at a low price, could have a tidy, cheerful home. This house accommodates about fifty, and has a reading-room, and is cheerful, well-lighted, and warm, the price ranging from twenty to thirty cents per night, or one dollar, or one dollar and a half per week. Not a profane or obscene word is allowed, and those who have never made a profession of Christianity feel the influence that is quietly and steadily exerted. This work is also under outside management, but contributes to the success of the society.

March, 1877, daily meetings were established, which have been largely attended. These meetings, though led by ladies, are open to all, and are attended by men of all classes, often more than three-fourths of the audience being men.

Quietly and reverently they wait before God, and the influence of the Spirit is so manifestly present that all hearts are solemnized.

The hall is well filled daily, and over six hundred have been brought to a saving knowledge of Christ in the forgiveness of their sins. Some of these were gentlemen who came out of curiosity; others were prodigal sons, far away from home and God. Gamblers, barkeepers, infidels, drunkards, criminals fresh from the jail, and homeless tramps, have here found salvation. Some even of the most degraded, are educated men, who have had the advantages of a college course; others are business or professional men, who have come down from the highest circles of society to poverty and rags, through drink.

It is touching to see these men, scarred and marred by sin, sitting with reverent faces, listening, for the first time in years, to the sweet story of Jesus and his love, or rising to ask prayers for themselves, with streaming eyes. Oh, the sad stories the searching spirit wrings out of these penitent hearts! “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Some of these men were in utter despair, and were arrested when about to commit suicide; others had not prayed since they left their mother’s knee, and had not been in a church for ten, fifteen, or twenty years.

But Jesus is mighty to save, and all his salvation may know, and he has revealed himself as the Saviour of sinners; and such mighty saving power I have never seen before. Gamblers have thrown away their cards, and pressing the Bible to their hearts, have said, with tears, “I take this book, instead of my pack of cards, for a companion and guide.”

Families, broken up and scattered, have been reunited, and gathered about an altar of prayer; the ragged have been clothed, the hungry fed, the unbelieving convinced, and the broken-hearted comforted. Letters bearing the glad tidings across seas and continents, of prodigals saved, have winged their way to distant friends, and hundreds of homes have been made glad because of these afternoon meetings.

One young man who arose to ask prayers, said, “I am the son of praying parents. I had every advantage that wealth and social position could give me. I was educated at Yale College, but was expelled before I graduated. I shall never forget the humiliation of that morning when I was dismissed and sent home on account of drunkenness. I tried for a time to do better, and was sent away to medical college, where in due time I graduated in medicine--and drunkenness. While attending college, I would write home for money to buy books, and then spend it for rum. After I got my diploma I went home, but it was not long till I was brought, at a late hour of the night, from the saloon to my father’s door, helplessly drunk. When my condition became known to the members of the family, there was sorrow and weeping all over the house. The next day my father talked very seriously to me as to the consequences of the drink habit, if I continued in such a course. I promised to amend, but in a short time was brought home again dead-drunk.

“My father turned me out of doors, for I had broken my mother’s heart. But one of my brothers came after me very soon, to say:

“‘Come home, Harry, you have broken our mother’s heart; come home and see her die.’

“I followed him, going like a criminal. My dying mother was surrounded by her family and friends, but she reached out her hands to me and said, ‘Oh, Harry, you have broken my heart, but if you will promise me that you will never drink another drop as long as you live, I will die happy.’

“I dropped on my knees at her bedside, and promised her that I would never touch the accursed stuff again. I thought then that I never would, and as I followed her to the grave and heard the earth fall upon her coffin, I swore in my heart that I would keep my vow. I went to a distant western town and entered upon the practice of medicine. I was prospered in every way. I soon had a large and lucrative practice and moved in the best of society. I bought a house and was fitting up a home for a lovely woman who had promised to become my wife. During a New Year’s holiday-time I visited my old home, and on New Year’s day started out to call upon my friends. The third house I entered the lady offered me wine. I refused, but she insisted, and once the glass in my hand I drank it off and rushed from the house to the nearest saloon. That night I was carried to a hotel dead-drunk. My descent was rapid. I soon lost all my money and friends, and was wandering over the country a miserable, drunken tramp. I begged a ticket to cross the Delaware river to reach this city, and have begged my bread here from door to door. I have been called a _tramp_ to my face since I have been in your city. But if God can save a _tramp_, I want Him to SAVE me.” When he sat down there was not a dry eye in the house.

Immediately another young man arose, and said, “I was a class-mate of that young man’s in Yale. I well remember the day he was expelled. I had not met him in all these years till at these meetings. I, too, since leaving college, have become a drunkard; but I have been saved by God’s mighty power in these meetings, and the appetite for rum has been taken away, and what God has done for me, He can do for you, Harry.”

There was united prayer for that young man, and he was saved that very day. Or, as he puts it, “The ladies held on to me till I found Christ, and had the appetite for rum and tobacco taken away.”

There are scores of cases equally interesting.

A MARVELLOUS ANSWER TO PRAYER.

One day two young men came into the meeting, and took seats near the door. They were very irreverent, and inclined to be disorderly. The lesson that day was on the forgiveness of sin and the witness of the Spirit; and those testifying spoke with great clearness of the cleansing power of the blood, and the witness of the Spirit to their acceptance. The meeting was very solemn, many were moved to tears; all sat in awe before the Lord, but these two young men. I led the meeting that day, and, as I was about to close, I spoke of the two young men who had been indifferent and irreverent, as eternity-bound, walking, may be, on the brink of destruction, and yet unsaved and unconcerned. We knelt to pray, and while I prayed, those two young men came up before me, and with earnest pleadings I asked God to _save_ their souls--in some way or other to reach them--if He could not win them by His love, to reach and save them by His judgments--any way, only save their souls alive. The next day I was sent for by a young man in the inquiry room, after the meeting. The tears were running over his face. Grasping my hand, he said, “Oh, do pray for me that no judgments may come upon me. I am one of the young men who behaved badly in the meeting yesterday.” “Where is the other man?” “When you prayed I felt awful bad; it was just like a knife going to my heart. As soon as the meeting closed we left. My friend said, ‘Let’s get out of here.’ When we reached the street I told him I was afraid some judgment would come upon us. He laughed, and said he wasn’t afraid of the judgments of God. We walked on together up to Broad street, where he fell with a stroke of paralysis, and was carried off to St. Mary’s hospital. We are both Catholics. I did not think God was with you. But when I saw that man fall so soon after your prayer, I knew it was a judgment. I did not sleep any last night, and to-day as I walked the streets I could not help crying. A lady met me on the street, and seeing me weeping, she said, ‘Young man, you seem to be in great trouble; what is the matter?’ I undertook to tell her, but I broke down utterly. She invited me to her house; there I met her husband, and when I told my story he seemed much moved. He told me he was a saloon-keeper; that he kept a saloon in Camden, N. J., but he was going to give up the business and open a feed store, and that he would give me work and allow me to go to these meetings.”

I bowed with the young man, and prayed earnestly that God would be merciful and save him. The next day he was gloriously saved. He immediately went to the hospital, to look after his friend. He found that he had recovered consciousness soon after reaching the hospital. The lessons of the day pressed upon his heart and conscience; especially those awful words, “I’m not afraid of the judgment of God.” He felt sure he would die, and he set himself to gain what he had heard spoken of in the meeting--a knowledge of sins forgiven, the witness of the Spirit. And the Lord revealed Himself to that man right there in the Catholic hospital, so that when the friend came to him he found him rejoicing in a knowledge of his sins forgiven and his acceptance with God. They took sweet counsel together, and the dying man sent this message back to the meeting:

“Tell that lady who prayed for me that her prayers are answered, and I am saved. She will find me in heaven when she comes, for I am _saved by the judgment of God_.” A few hours after this he died. Only a few weeks passed till the other young man was sent to the Blockley Alms House Hospital, with dropsy. But he was joyously happy--ready for anything.

Ten doctors one day gathered about his bed for consultation: the decision was that they could do nothing for him. With a triumphant smile he looked up at them and said:

“It’s all right, doctors; I am ready to die.”

The doctor who attended his case afterwards came and knelt by his cot, and wept and prayed.

A young man lying in the next cot to his was very irreverent. Charles wanted to read the Bible to him, for he preaches the gospel to all, but he said: “No, I don’t want to hear it; I’ve got a novel--I like that better.” But after a while Charles induced him to read, as an act of kindness. The truth took hold of his heart, and one night he got up out of his bed and knelt beside the cot of Charles, and was saved. The novel-reading young man has since died in the full triumphs of faith. Charles D. still lingers to preach Christ in the ward, and his influence is blessed. A priest visited him one day.

“Have you confessed?” he inquired. “Yes.” “Who to?” “The Lord Jesus Christ; and I have been forgiven, and I am ready to depart and be with my Lord.”

The priest insisted on leaving a rosary, which the sick young man, having no need of such helps in prayer, gave to one of the ladies of the meeting who visited him very often.

Who can doubt that God in _answer to prayer_ took the best, and perhaps the only way, to save these two souls!

It is better that a man should be dealt with in judgment than that he should lose his soul.

The meetings still go on with power, and the general work with increasing interest.

In 1875 a State Union was formed, the convention meeting in Philadelphia. One hundred ladies went from that meeting to Harrisburg, to protest against the repeal of the Local Option law, which was threatened. A mass-meeting was held in the State House in the evening, the legislative hall being well filled, and most of the members of the Senate and House being present. The meeting, which was addressed by prominent ladies and gentlemen of the State, was enthusiastic. The next day about two hundred marched in a body to the Capitol, and held a meeting, and had an interview with the committee having the matter in charge, and then called upon the Governor to urge him, if the law was repealed, to veto it.

It fell to the lot of the writer of these pages to head that procession and make the speech to the Governor.

If the question pending had not been so grave, the scene would have been ludicrous. Governor Hartranft, although he had won honor as an officer in the recent civil war, was as pale as a ghost, and stood bracing himself against the mantel-piece, with his lips firmly set, as though he was afraid to open his mouth lest he should betray his party.

The appeal was made in the presence of a hundred or more people, and despite his efforts at self-command he was deeply moved.

He responded very respectfully, but his guarded words foreshadowed his future action, and we knew he would follow the dictates of his party, whatever that might be. But it was a privilege to be able, fearlessly and plainly, to tell him a few facts, and let him know in just so many words, “that no matter what party went up, or went down, the women of the commonwealth intended that the rum power should go down, and would bend all their energies to that end.”

MONTROSE, PENNSYLVANIA.

A praying band was organized in this town at the beginning of the Crusade. Petitions and pledges have been circulated, and prayer and mass-meetings held.

The saloon-keepers have been visited and urged to sign the pledge. The children have been gathered together and taught, and a society organized. The jails have been regularly visited.

Mrs. Post and Mrs. Sayer are among the active workers who have pushed the cause in this town and in the county.

SUSQUEHANNA, PENNSYLVANIA.

The ladies of this town organized early in 1874; mass-meetings were held, saloons visited, and pledges circulated.

Under the Local Option law, which had carried in this place, it was unlawful to sell liquors. And as the saloon-keepers did not yield to tears and prayers, the ladies brought the law to bear upon them with good success.

The devotion of the women was shown in their self-denial in matters of dress, that they might have money to carry on the temperance work.

TROY, PENNSYLVANIA.

The women of Troy organized for work in May, 1874. I had the privilege of visiting the drinking-houses with some of these earnest workers. We went to the hotel. The bar-room was filled with a crowd of rough men. The fumes of tobacco and whiskey were stifling. The landlord turned pale when he saw us, but withstood all our entreaties, although he had been trained in a Christian home and had a praying mother.

We appealed to him to stop the business for the sake of his own boy. He had a beautiful little boy. Though deeply moved, he would not allow us to pray in his house. As we were leaving, I said: “My brother, the Lord will answer the prayers of your mother. He is now trying to win you by love; if you reject Him, He may bring you to the truth by His judgments. He may take the boy you love so much. Don’t wait for the judgments of God.” The words seemed to be prophetic: in a month from that time the boy was dead, and he was brought to see so clearly that God was dealing with him that he closed out the bar. One of the drug stores was really an open saloon, the worst in the town. The work went on for a while with enthusiasm. But some of these methods, especially the prosecution of saloon-keepers, displeased the ministers, and they drew up a paper asking them to desist, and confine themselves to prayer-meetings, etc. The result was an entire abandonment of the work, at a time when it promised the largest success.

ASHLEY, PENNSYLVANIA.

The women organized in this town in the spring of 1874. Prayer and mass-meetings were held; a Juvenile Union formed; the saloons visited again and again, and a friendly inn and lunch-room founded, mainly through the efforts of Miss N. M. Wells. Good results have followed.

The work there and throughout the State is increasing in interest and enthusiasm.

Nearly all the towns of Pennsylvania have carried on the temperance work with more or less success.

A good work has also been done in Great Bend, the home of Mrs. F. D. B. Chase, President of the State Union; also in Sharon, Chester, New Milford, Towanda, Canton, Tunkahannock, Carbondale, Kingston, Wellsburg, Norristown, Rochester, Meadville, New Castle, Honesdale, and Milton.

NEW YORK.